No MOre Trash! Bash in April

Posted on Monday, April 8, 2013 at 10:27 am

Spring into action this April during the No MOre Trash! Bash, and help Missouri become a litter-free state.

The No MOre Trash! Bash is an annual event sponsored by the Missouri departments of Conservation and Transportation. During the entire month of April, efforts are aimed at getting people to clean up litter all across Missouri – from roadsides and parks to rivers and streams.

“It’s time to get outside, get the litter picked up, and make our state beautiful this spring,” said Stacy Armstrong, MoDOT roadside management specialist. “The trash bash is a great way to get organized and actually make a difference.”

Last year’s Bash had about 1,000 groups participating with more than 21,000 volunteers. Hundreds of educational efforts were held in schools, at rest areas, community events, during Earth Day celebrations, and more. Across the state, over 128,000 bags of litter were collected statewide.

Birds, fish, turtles, and other animals can get tangled in litter, such as plastic six-pack holders and fishing line, and it can kill them. Litter poisons fish, birds, and other wildlife and can cost a litterer up to $1,000 in fines and one year in jail.

“We spend millions of dollars every year cleaning up litter on roadsides, conservation areas, and other locations,” said Armstrong. “Every discarded bottle or fast food wrapper our volunteers clean up or prevent can save the state money.”

To take action and participate in this year’s bash, consider scheduling a clean-up or educational activity and involve your friends, family, and coworkers. For more information or to sign up for activities, visit www.nomoretrash.org or call 888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).